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The hard thing about ‘change’ is managing the ‘fall-out’ or as some might call it ‘damage control’. Sounds political right. Not meant to be. But these lessons are meant to help avoid as much damage as possible. Sometimes ‘change’ comes and leaders feel very helpless. A group may end up with an undeclared split… those who want it, and those who are against it. If changes don’t occur then those who want it, leave, and if changes occur, then those who don’t want it leave. What’s a leadership to do?

May I suggest several things as I move to the last of the installments of notes and lessons dad had on this subject.

1. Spend much time in prayer, visitation with members, gather all information on feelings and thoughts as possible, encourage a spirit of love and unity, and sow the seeds of all concerned with the idea of compromise (each moving towards each other/ give and take).
2. The last thing we need is more splits and division. Brethren need to see more than anything, what the end will be if an un-Christ-like attitude prevails. All need to be on the page of seeking the best move for not only the congregation, but for the cause of Christ. Division is not only wrong, but damaging to the influence of the church in the community.
3. DO NOT BE FOOLED INTO THINKING:
A. People will not see when a congregation is at war with itself
B. People will not see a congregation that can weather the winds of change and
come out loving each other even more!
4. NOTHING… TAKES THE PLACE OF UNITY! (This is the title of this lesson from dad.) As you recall from the first lesson in this series, dad grew up in a different time. Church looked different, times were different, and changes came hard. Congregations divided, and hurt feelings grew. It wasn’t all bad times then… but the hope for now is that we can learn from the past and grow.
1. SCRIPTURES TO STUDY AND KEEP IN MIND
A. Ephesians 4:1-7 Paul’s plea for and outline of unity.
B. I Corinthians 1:10-3:23 Paul deals with division.
C. Romans 16:16-17 Paul encourages unity and warns against those who hurt the
same.
D. Romans 14-15 Paul instructs on how to maintain unity (weak brother/strong
brother/liberty etc…)
2. A FEW THINGS WHICH PALE IN IMPORTANCE WITH THE CROSS OF CHRIST
AND HIS MISSION:
A. Church buildings
B. Arrangement of singing
C. Tenure of elders
D. Treasury
E. Order of services
F. Local Ministers
G.Time of services and how many
H. Name of the church (assembly). (Consider “Central – “Where Christians meet”)
I. How money (funds) are dispensed
J. How to select elders
K. Deaconesses
L. Where “giving” is an act of worship
M. How often should we give
3. SOME CONSIDERATIONS
A. There are many other things which dad could have added to the list, but did not.
1.) You can add some things as you consider this.
B. Grow in grace, and understand, that not everything which look like big deals are in
fact A BIG DEAL.
C. Tradition has played a BIG APART IN THINGS WE DO.
1.) Prove this by asking for the scripture which proves one must do something
‘this way’ or ‘that’.
D. Tradition is not bad in and of itself.
E. Some changes are good if it helps the congregation to grow and reach out to the
community.
1.) This doesn’t mean on is a ‘change agent’.
F. Galatians 5:6 What is important is “FAITH WHICH WORKS BY LOVE.”
G. Keep a firm hold on things which are not CHANGEABLE. The “basic core” as
dad calls it. This must not, cannot be changed.
H. It takes wise shepherds, to grow and help their flock to grow with them.
1.) Pray
2.) Work together
3.) Grow in grace
4.) Maintain your liberty in Christ
5.) Earnestly strive to hold onto unity and peace – NOTHING TAKES THE PLACE
OF UNITY!!!

Dad was very concerned for the church, the body of Christ. Praying for unity, peace, growth in grace and love… Dealing with ‘change’ without being labelled a “change agent”, is difficult. Sometimes unavoidable. This material is being made available to help leaders in dealing with “Change” in a way which is in keeping with the ‘story of the Bible’ and the instruction of Paul, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2).

This expanded outline is part of dad’s study which he prepared for his Three Unusual Days Ministry…

“Managing Change”
1. Change should be: BASED ON ENLIGHTENMENT and GROWTH SPIRITUALLY
A. Any time a church family deals with ‘change’, the leadership must
1.) Educate the people
2.) Discuss and communicate with the people
3.) Teach the people
4.) Be available to the people
2. Change should be: GRADED AND GRADUAL
A. No ‘next Sunday surprises’
B. Take time needed for the things mentioned above.
C. Consider the congregation’s present ‘comfort zone’
1.) ‘Change’ is not easy
3. Change should be: DIRECTIONAL – INTENTIONAL – WITH GOALS IN MIND
A. No hidden agenda allowed
B. Present a clear picture of WHERE YOU ARE GOING.
4. Change should be: WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR CONGREGATION.
A. Open your minds to options/ compromise
5. Change should be: GOVERNED BY BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES
A. Each congregation is independent
B. What is BIBLICAL, UN-BIBLICAL, NON-BIBLICAL and ANTI-BIBLICAL.
6. Change should be: COMMUNICATED WELL (before, during and after)
A. NO “Politics” “Undermining leaders over the phone
B. When this surfaces…. DEAL WITH IT QUICKLY AND DECISIVELY
7. Change should be: WITHOUT A FEAR ELEMENT
A. Deal with change openly and in the right way, so as to get rid of ‘fear’.
B. Cries of “It is un-scriptural” must be dealt with properly.
8. Change should be: DONE IN A WAY WHICH PROMOTES
A. Unity
B. Love
9. Change should be: IN THE SPIRIT OF SENSITIVITY AND CARE FOR ALL.
10. Changer should be: WITH ALL IN MIND
A. The “Old guard”
B. The “baby-boomers”
C. The “baby busters”
D. The “young and unmarried”
E. The “teens”
F. The “kids”
*** MEETING SOME OF ALL NEEDS – is wise.
*** KEEP THIS IMPORTANT THING IN MIND… Nothing takes the place of unity….

This lesson can be particularly helpful to elders who are burdened with guiding their congregations through the turbulence that can come with growth. Dad would at times present this lesson to a group of shepherds. Here is his outline with some added notes..

“BALANCE ON CHANGE”
“Change” = “The act, process of changing – (Alteration)(Transformation)Substitution)
“Autonomous” = “The quality or state of being self-governing…”I Peter 5:2 “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.”Philippians 1:1 “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons.”Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
“What’s Best?” – (Dad posed that question here for leaders. It is truly a difficult thing to care for and lead God’s people in the right… best way. Not everything is outlined in the scriptures. Thus elders have responsibility to grow in grace and apply this grace so that freedom in Christ is exercised and not abused.)

Considerations:

1. TRUTH AND TRADITIONS
A. “Tradition” = “Handing down information – Beliefs – Customs – Without written (Bible)
instructions/ on the details.
1.) Matthew 15:1-9 READ
B. Principles:
1.) Traditions – NEITHER GOOD NOR BAD.
2.) Traditions – “LIVING FAITH OF THE DEAD” which CAN BECOME “DEAD FAITH
OF THE LIVING”
3.) Name them – Know them – Change – Begin them
C. Understand the difference between “UN” – “ANTI” – “NON” Biblical
1.) UN-BIBLICAL? (Not in accord with the story/ message and spirit of the
Gospel of grace.)
2.) ANTI-BIBLICAL? (Expressly against scriptures)
3.) NON-BIBLICAL? (Not in the Bible/ Bible is silent/ Can exercise freedom.)
D. Why important to understand difference in these?
1.) If Bible says “YES” OR “NO” “DO THIS OR DO THAT” that settles the matter.
(Yet customs come into play re some things which Paul commands.)
2.) If the Bible says nothing on the matter then it becomes a question of is it
expedient? Helpful or harmful? Consider customs/ Likes/ dislikes/ weak brother
(not a grumbling mature brother).
3.) Freedom must be exercised with love… not used to ‘run over’ brethren.
a.) Take time to teach brethren to the point where they understand their
“freedom”, as well as the difference in “UN”, “ANTI” and “NON” Bibilical
matters.
b.) Understand the difference between and deal with “STUMBLING BLOCKS
AND GRUMBLING BLOCKS” (Refer to Books dad wrote for this subject.)
2. LEADERSHIP – CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY
A. Know the direction (Vision) of your congregation.
B. Know the ‘flock’ (People) “consider” – think)
C. Envision the destiny – End results
D. Entertain (Consider) – the Risk
E. Stake out the spiritual guidelines (“un”, “anti”, “non”)
3. LEADERSHIP – UNDERSTAND EACH OTHERS NEEDS
A. All (people)(groups) needing – wanting – hoping
B. Important: BEND – GIVE AND TAKE – LISTEN
C. Identify each others feelings – Old church bldg. “My dad helped build this…”
4. LEADERSHIP – EDUCATE – TEACH – INFORM – ANSWER QUESTIONS
(“Education = power to see a thing from many different viewpoints/ perspective!”)
A. Cosmetic changes??? (Songs being used)(Responsive reading)
B. Scriptures to keep in mind:
1.) 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord
is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the
Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory,
which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
2.) Colossians 1:28 “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone
with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.”
3.) Romans 12:1-2 Transformation – ongoing process – Spiritual change/growth
(Church = family= grow together!)
5. LEADERSHIP – “GRADUAL” = IMP. WORD WHEN DEALING WITH ‘CHANGE’
A. “Can’t leap a chasm in two hops” – MAY NEED TO BUILD A BRIDGE!!!
B. “All past IS NOT BAD” (Our past/roots/history/Restoration Movement – Learn/grow)
C. “All future IS NOT GOOD” (Depends on level of leadership WISDOM/INTEGRITY
/CHARACTER).
D. Concept “Burn baby burn” must be avoided! (“Baby/Bathwater”)
E. Define Congregational “Comfort Zone”
F. There should be NO ‘SHOCKS’ – Communicate!!!
G. Avoid ‘Power Moves’ – Should not have one man rule inside Eldership..
H. Keep in mind, while some ‘changes’ may be good with some congregations… they
may not be APPROPRIATE for other congregations.

(Take time to read and re-read this material and adapt it to your needs. It is merely meant to be a lesson to help us begin to STOP AND THINK, and regain some BALANCE in dealing with CHANGES WHICH INEVITABLY COME as congregations strive to grow.)
(I would really enjoy your responses on this.)(jhejr)

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8-10).
The Christian’s life is:
1. 100% GRACE:
A. Everything we have received, do receive, and will receive from God = GRACE.
B. Grace = an UNMERITED/UNEARNED gift.
C. Grace = not withheld because I am a sinner… nor is it made less because I am a
sinner…It is because we are sinners that grace is so important to the Christian
life.
2. 100% FAITH:
A. Everything I receive by grace is accepted on the principle = FAITH.
B. Not mixed with work 40% / 60% – 75% / 25% – 90% / 10% … all by FAITH.
C. Negatively speaking: NOTHING can be received from God accept by FAITH
Paul says, “By grace through faith” (Can it be said, “by faith only”?)
If so… Why? If not…Why? (When Paul speaks of FAITH in Romans 4,
he is certainly not speaking of that which DOES NOTHING IN RESPONSE)
D. This faith is shown to us by Abraham, (KJV)=(“WORKS” (MERIT) VS
(“COUNTED” CREDIT)- (Romans 4 and 5:2)
3. 100% SALVATION: (Can Christians hold confidently to salvation?) YES
A. Discussion with Baptist minister and dad… (Something to think about)
1.) Dad – “You believe in faith only salvation.” “Right? ” (Ministers reply) “YES”
Dad “No, that’s wrong”
2.) Baptist minister “You believe in water salvation.” “Right?” (Dad’s reply)
“YES” (Minister’s reply) “No, that’s wrong”
3.) Dad – “You believe in once saved always saved.” “Right?” (Minister reply)
“YES” (Dad replies) “No, that’s wrong!”
4.) (Minister) – “You believe in once saved maybe saved.” “Right?” Dad’s
response“ “YES” (Minister) “No, that’s wrong!”
B. What do we believe? Confident salvation or not?
C. Let’s look at some options (on board)
Note: To do this draw two parallel vertical lines about an inch apart.
At the bottom place “Baptism” and at the top “Heaven”. Representing the life of a
Christian, typically we draw the line going up, then out (sin) and then back in, up
a bit, out (sin) then back in etc…
The question here is: ARE CHRISTIANS IN AND OUT OF SALVATION LIKE
THIS? HOW BIG IS GRACE? ROOM FOR TIMES WHEN WE SIN, REPENT,
CORRECT PATH… OR DO WE ‘FALL FROM GRACE’ HAVE TO GO FORWARD,
CONFESS ETC… TO ‘GET BACK IN’? WHAT ABOUT SINS WE FORGET
ABOUT?
Verses to consider (a.) Romans 6:1 (b.) Ephesians 2:8; I John 1:7; I John 2:1-2)
WHERE DOES ‘ABUSE’ COME INTO THE PICTURE?
4. 100% NOT: (Disclaimers)
A. Disclaimers
1.) Not of self
2.) Not of works
3.) No room for boasting
4.) Irrevocable (once saved DOES NOT MEAN ‘do what you want’ saved)
5.) Doubtful (once saved maybe saved)
B. Nothing I can do about God’s grace but ACCEPT OR REJECT it.
5. 100% GIFT OF GOD
A. Not cheap (Acts 20:28; Isaiah 53:10; Romans 3:26; 2 Cor. 9:15; Rom. 5:15)
6. “For we (100%) are God’s (100%) handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good
works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”
A. Saved by Grace/Faith principle NOT Law/Works standard.
B. Illustrating the principle with simple semantics (Eph. 2) “…good works..”
i.) Eph. 2:10 – change “works” to ‘spiritual fruit’ (Cf. Gal. 5:22-24)
ii.) “workmanship”, ”workmen”, “unto good works”, “ordained”, “Walk in them” =
FRUIT
iii.) Change Law to LORD, and Works to FRUIT fits perfectly in the plan of God,
and mind of disciple.
iv.) To base salvation/ Christian life on achievements, quotas, measures of growth,
contributions… for the good of the church = wrong. (“another gospel”)
v.) Law/works results in GUILT (Romans 7:23-24)
1.) Read Work book pg. 19 (Amazing Grace God’s Power To Be” Workbook by
Jack Exum
7. Special Study: WHO IS SAVED – OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST
A. Questions:
1.) What does a person need to know to be saved?
2.) If I lose my salvation, am I still a Christian?
3.) Is there such thing as an unsaved Christian?
B. Light from Hebrews 3:7-19
1.) IF today’s Christians are guilty of the same sins as the Israelites = suffer same
fate..
a.) What is that fate?
2.) These sins are two types, what are they? REBELLION and UNBELIEF.
a.) These are synonymous for “hardening your hearts” “testing” “trying” God
b.) Having a heart that is always going astray. (Israel = 40 years!!!)
3.) But the lesson works in both ways…
a.) Christians not guilty of these sins WILL enter “into God’s rest”
4.) What is the opposite of:
a.) Unbelief — FAITH
b.) Rebellion — SUBMISSION
c.) Hardness of heart — (soft heart) seen in PENITENT/REPENTING
5.) A Christian ceases to be a Christian when he LOOSES FAITH/REPENTANCE
and remains a Christian as long as he CONTINUES IN FAITH AND
REPENTENCE, Hebrews 10:26-27. “If we deliberately keep on sinning….”
1.) Salvation = lost – deliberately continuing a life of sin… ie rebelling/hard
heart/refusing to repent.
a.) “Rebellion” = __________________
b.) “Sinning continuously” = _______________________
2.) How does grace help us here?
3.) How are believers made “perfect forever”? Hebrews 10:1
4.) How does the Holy Spirit fit into this?
5.) What does a penitent, teachable, moldable Christian life produce?
Galatians 5:22-23
6.) Bottom line: The Christian who loses faith, and the heart becomes
hardened and cannot and will not repent loses salvation… is not a
Christian… is lost. Christians who do not lose faith, and who’s hearts do
not become hardened… are saved from “spiritual cradle” till the time they
die.

(Special note of thanks to Jay Guinn and his work on Amazing Grace. Bible Class notes, and book “Holy Spirit and Revolutionary Grace”, www.oneinjesus.info)

(The following is a study which dad had developed for his “Three Unusual Days” Ministry. This was not one of his primary lessons which he used, but was used when he saw the need. Here you will find his initial lesson where he looks back at ‘how things have changed
‘over the years’… “reactions to change” and “A quick look at the New Testament church” followed by some thoughts on “maintaining ‘balance’ in the midst of change”.
He was certainly no “change agent”, but wasn’t opposed to ‘change’ within certain guidelines and principles….
Let’s begin……
* Growing up, my mother made most of our clothes from flour sacks. I know it’s hard for most to remember those days. As we grew, she would modify the pattern and enlarge, and repair (patch) these same clothes.
* God is the builder of the church. While there are some guidelines and principles for the church, there is no “outline”, “strict form” or “pattern” per se which gives an ‘agenda’ or ‘routine’ or “mandates on the ‘how to’, for the church through the ages to follow. Problems addressed in the New Testament were largely to do with culture. (Dad put “98% cultural”).
Dad recollects where he went to church as a boy….(I think)

1. Old Bowling Green Church – (No elders/deacons)
A. No instructions – How often to meet
B. Two week gospel meetings (Three Sundays)
(Most baptisms during this time)(Imported Evangelists)
2. Advent = AUTOMOBILES! PAVED ROADS! LIGHTING!!! (Modify)-(Change)
(Idea of a Sunday night service developed)
A. Sunday School (Bible Classes) began in England (1870’s)
1.) They simply partitioned the auditorium
B. “UNINSPIRED LITERATURE” (Gospel Advocate)
1.) These lessons were on a single card with a picture and written prayer.
2.) Brethren took turns reading the lesson each Sunday
C. (Then we) Built Sunday School Class Rooms
3. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting (Modified – Changed to Bible Classes
(Not much praying) (Hebrews 10:25 = used)
4. 1944 – TWO GLASSES WERE USED FOR THE COMMUNION
A. Contribution – Was brought to the Lord’s table (without prayer)
“Thank you brother so and so for your contribution of $___.”
B. Servers for table – called from the floor
C. Prayers for communion were memorized=little variation.
D. Women had LONG HAIR – Wore hats/ head coverings
E. Song leaders that waved hands (were considered show offs)
(Usually the kept beat with their feet)“IT’S AMAZING HOW QUICKLY EACH MODIFICATION OF THE ‘PATTERN’ BECAME AN ‘OBLIGATION’ ON EVERYONE. (ACCOMPANIED BY THREATS OF ‘HELL’ OR THE LOSS OF SOME ‘STAR IN YOUR CROWN'” FOR NON COMPLIANCE.
5. THE MEETING HOUSE HAD NO SIGN
6. YET THEY DEVELOPED AN “INFLEXIBLE PATTERN OF PROCEDURE”
A. Three Songs – Prayer – Song – Sermon – Invitation – Communion – Collection –
Song – Dismissal – (Covering of the Communion)
7. SONG LEADERS OFFERED NO COMMENTS (MINI-SERMONS)
(No scripture reading)(No communion comments)
8. NO “PLACING MEMBERSHIP” (Letter)
(No official Membership Roll)(No Withdrawal proceedure)(No church socials)
(No kitchens)(No fellowship meals)
9. OUTDOOR OUTHOUSE – BAPTISMS IN THE LAKE
(Modify) (Toilets moved inside)(Water fountains provided)(Kitchens)
A. Kitchens were considered “Mark of the Social Gospel”
10. USE OF BLACKBOARDS AND FABRIC CHARTS WERE FREQUENT
A. Fifth Sunday contributions went to orphan homes
B. Once a year Children’s Home Truck picked up canned goods
11. EARLY TIMES: WE HAD NOT ‘PICKED UP’ ON CATHOLIC CONCEPT
A. Church weddings
B. Marriage “Sacrament”
12. NO FUNERAL HOMES: (Body of deceased = Home!)
A. Someone sat with the body)(Sang at the grave side)
B. All singing at funeral was congregational
*** DEVELOPMENT/EXPANSION OF A PATTERN = DUE TO EXPANSION AND
GROWTH! (Clothing patterns change)(Styles)(Needs)(Shoe sizes)
THE CHURCH = “A LIVING GROWING BODY”
*** EACH CHANGE WAS MET WITH CRITICISM AND DEBATE!!!CHURCHES SPLIT AND DIVIDED RESULTING IN:
(Non-building group)(Non-Sunday school group)(One cup group)(No kitchen group)
(Non-orphan support group)(Non-located minister group)
*** All supported by “FOR CONSCIENCE SAKE”
13. CHURCH STAFFS (Modify – Change)
A. Senior ministers/ Located Pulpit Ministers/ Educational ministers/ Counsellors/
Secretaries/ Custodian/ Full time elders
14. OVERHEAD PROJECTORS (Modify – Change)
A. Copiers and printers replace the mimeograph and printing press
B. Bulletins (Mailed out to all – now emailed and web sites)
C. Literature – written by women
D. Worship teams/ Praise teams
E. Contemporary Christian songs
F. Dramas
G. Song Cantatas
H. Radio – TV – Internet
I. Puppets – Applause
15. “A LOOK AT FIRST CENTURY NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY”
(QUESTION: Out of all the congregations existing in first century… which one was the
‘standard’? Model for the rest? Answer – NONE!
The first Century Church….
A. It had a miraculous beginning (Pentecost – Cornelius)
B. Outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Made available for all)(Acts 2:38-39)
C. They had persons exercising SPECIAL SPIRITUAL GIFTS
D. Jews only (at first for 7 or 8 years)
E. Women wore veils while praying/prophesying (in the assembly)
F. Destitute widows – enrolled as special servants.
G. Other women – Deaconesses
H. Evangelists spread/preached the Gospel.
I. Teachers/Prophets/Elders – Edified the saints
J. Church meetings (assemblies) – more HORIZONTAL than VERTICAL
K. Love feasts – Fellowship meals were common
L. First Church – “Held all things – common”
M. Collections taken (WHEN NEEDED) for the poor/needy brethren/ Evangelism
N. No budget/ No treasury/ No weekly collections
O. No name used/worn (to) designate (which church…. there was only one)
P. Racial/ Ethic differences / NOT TOLERATED
Q. Laid hands on appointees
R. Elders anointed the sick with oil and prayed
S. They practiced fasting
T. “Kiss of Christian love” was enjoined by Paul
U. Washed feet – by EXAMPLE AND COMMAND of Jesus
V. JEWISH DISCIPLES KEPT RITUALS – Law of Moses
W. Used no hymnals – had no 4 part harmony
X. No ‘placing membership’ is recorded as being practiced
Y. No buildings – they met in homes
Z. No business meetings/No staff

“I’M UNASHAMED” (Composed by dad, Bob and myself)
“I’m unashamed of my Savior and Lord,
So unashamed of his wonderful word;
I’m unashamed of his powerful sword,
He’s mine, yes mine to share.

I’m unashamed of the thorns that were pressed,
So unashamed of his colorless dress;
I’m unashamed to sigh on his breast,
He’s mine, yes mine to share.

I’m unashamed of his teaching so bold;
So unashamed of the heaven foretold;
I’m ashamed to found in his fold,
He’s mine, yes mine to share.

I’m unashamed just to stand in his grace
So unashamed just to serve in his place,
I’m unashamed just to finish the race,
He’s mine, yes mine to share.

I’m unashamed of the wonders he rought,
So unashamed of the wisdom he taught,
I’m unashamed of salvation He brought
He’s mine, yes mine to share.

I’m unashamed of the parables told,
So unashamed of his challenge so bold,
I’m unashamed to be placed in his mold,
He’s mine, yes mine, to share.

Primary purpose of lesson = BRING GRACE INTO FOCUS/BALANCE. Grace=“The life of grace is not a substitute for a holy life and an earth shaking message. It is the foundation for both.”
Questions:
1. Why do you think Paul EMPHASIZED grace?
2. Is preaching TRUE, REAL, grace ‘risky’? How? (“CAUTION- GRACE TAUGHT HERE!”)
3. There are two BASIC extremes (abuses)… what are they?
4. What is wrong with the following statement: “If you want to go to heaven, you must obey the commandments, do good works, and do so regularly, and consistently, and if you do not fail to in doing this… you will be pleasing to God, and heaven will be yours.” Agree? Disagree? Why???
Danger – EXTREMES (ie Abuse) “ANYTIME GRACE IS TAKEN TO AN EXTREME – be it by LIMITING ITS APPLICATION, or USING IT AS A LIFE-LICENSE… it shows a lack of understanding/ appreciation for grace.” (Cf. Romans 6:1-2).

1. PERVERTED GRACE… (Galatians 1:6-8)
A. WHY… was Paul “flabbergasted” with these Christians?
B. What was being added to the Gospel which changed it to “another gospel”
(which was not really the Gospel?)
C. Call it a ‘scam’, ‘fake’, or just plain ‘false’. Anytime you add something to grace, it
changes the essence of the Gospel. What are some examples of doing this
today? Why are scams, fakes, so convincing? (Discussion)2. LEGALISTIC GRACE… (Contradiction? How?)
A. What is (define) ‘legalism’? (Give personal illustration)
1.) What does legalism (Strict adherence to the letter of law) do to grace?
2.) Grace/Faith+Law/Works = Butterfly/Spider
3.) How is a legalistic attitude recognized?
4.) What does legalism do to a congregation? Restoration Movement?
B. Illustration: Lady with the check list.
C. Is it ok to “observe certain days, months, years etc… as Holy?” (e.g. Christmas,
Easter)
D. What about ‘circumcision’ (Galatians 5:2-3; 4:10-11)? Cf. Timothy (Acts 16:3) and
Titus and Galatians 2:3. What’s the difference? Timothy fallen from grace???
E. Why does legalism seem ‘easier’ than grace?
F. “Freedom in Christ” (Sermon outline)
1.) … Take it seriously (Galatians 5:1)
2.) … Guard it courageously (Galatians 5:2-11)
3.) … Use it lovingly (Galatians 5:13-14)3. BUSINESSMAN’S GRACE (“Hey God, ‘let’s make a deal’!”)
A. “Give me half, and I’ll earn the rest!” (“You prepare supper/ I’ll sing for it” grace).
B. Illustration: Ruler
C. Prodigal son vs elder brother “Will work for food!”/ “I have slaved for you!”
D. Is GRACE a 50:50 PROPOSITION? Why? Why not?
E. Consider the following: Salvation: It’s all (100%) grace on God’s part, and all
(100%) faith on man’s part. (Agree? Disagree? Why?)
E. LET’S LOOK AT YOUR DRIVING RECORD!4. RELIGIOUS GRACE
A. The religious ‘check list system’.
B. Luke 18:9-14 One felt justified… WHY?
C. How can we ‘mess up’ like the Pharisee?
D. “The Pharisee rejected the love, mercy and forgiveness of God based on grace.
They just could not understand (comprehend) how God could be so gracious…
They depended on their law (commandment) keeping, their works as the
foundation of their ‘worthiness’.
E. The other, pleaded only for mercy, and received love, forgiveness and
acceptance (grace).
F. Any appeal to law keeping, inward goodness, human works, tradition keeping,
achievements or levels of self-righteousness constitutes a rejection of the grace
of God! (Romans 11:6).
5. MORE SIN – MORE GRACE (LIVE IT UP GRACE)
A. How much grace is too much grace?
B. We all sin… we know better when we do it… Are we IN OR OUT of grace?
1.) If we are out… how to get back in? (Give example from Bible)
2.) If we are in… (Still a child of God /Holy Spirit) what should we do to correct
path?
C. What did it do for Paul? (What should real grace do for us?)D. Paul’s Argument from Romans 6
1.) By grace – PRINCIPLE OF SIN = BROKEN (any sin/all sin)( Romans 6:1-11)
2.) By grace – POWER OVER SIN = GIVEN (any/all sin) (Romans 6:12-22).
3.) By grace – PUNISHMENT OF SIN = DELIVERED (any/all sin) (Romans 6:23;
8:1-2)

God’s plan to save man … ALL BEFORE TIME BEGAN!
Paul was absolutely ‘flabbergasted’ – “I am amazed” “WOW! You broke the record!” Galatians 1:6-7
(cf. Jude 4; Ephesians 3:5-11).
First prophecy – Genesis 3:15
Noah – Genesis 6:5-8 “The LORD saw…how great the wickedness…” “The LORD regretted that he had made human beings …His heart was deeply troubled.” “So the LORD said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race…for I regret that I have made them.” “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. (cf. Hebrews 11:7). (NOAH FOUND GRACE – BUILT AN ARK)
Abraham – Genesis 12:1-3 (7 Promises); Hebrews 11:8-9 By faith … obeyed…went…made his home..” (ABRAHAM FOUND GRACE – OBEYED).
1. Abraham – Grace – Credit (Galatians)
A. Galatians 3:6-9
B. Galatians 3:13-29
2. Abraham – Grace – Credit (Romans)
A. Part of the ‘Roman Road’ (Four Chairs)
1.) Gentiles LOST (under Moral law) (Romans 1)
2.) Jews LOST (under Mosaical Law) (Romans 2) (Chair #1)
3.) Conclussion – ALL ARE LOST UNDER LAW (Romans 3) (cf. 3:20, 23, 24-30)
4.) (Chair #2) Justified (Even though Christians still sin periodically and have
find themselves unable to stop sinning on a permanent basis, GOD HAS
DECLARED US RIGHTEOUS because of the blood of Christ…
a.) Go through Romans 4 (ABRAHAM – Merit vs. Credit) Summary verse = 16
b.) Children of LAW or PROMISE??? “Amazing law, how sweet the sound?”
c.) Galatians 3:19 “Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because
of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come…”
d.) From the beginning…. Grace (Ephesians 2:8-10)
5.) “Let it be known to everyone. Wake up the neighbors, send it in a letter by
mail, broadcast it over the airwaves, carry the message to the far corners of
the earth. Go ‘tell it on the mountains’, in the valleys, and even to the small
islands of the sea: GOD HAS A PLAN TO SAVE MAN BY HIS GRACE. It is
not a formula man has concocted – it is not a scheme that man has devised.
It is TOTALLY OF GOD, and if affected, will be done so BY HIS GRACE, not
by law, not by works. This is the gracious God of the Old Testament. This is
the God of Adam, Noah, Abraham, David and Jonah. This is the plan of
salvation for man – the one that was in the beginning in the mind of God, and
has not changed through the ages of time.”
3. Paul is amazed!!! “Another Gospel”? (R U Crazy?!!) (Class Discussion)
A. Galatians 1:8
1.) What is the Gospel of grace?
2.) What is meant by “contend earnestly for the faith…” Jude 4
3.) What is the difference (if any) between “the gospel” and “the faith”?
4.) How can it (Gospel of grace) be changed? (Improved on?)
5.) What is the problem with adding to GRACE… things from the Law?
6.) What does it mean “accursed” “condemned”?
4. “From the beginning it has not been this way…”
A. In the beginning (there was) Grace…
1.) Just ask Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses…Israel during period
of the Judges…
2.) Grace during the time of the prophets (Samuel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel,
Daniel….)
B. “And the Word became flesh…” “Full of grace and truth…”
C. Ask Paul about grace… I Timothy 1:12-17 I AM THE WORST OF SINNERS.
1.) Thought question: How does Paul’s statement help you? How big was God’s
grace to Paul?
2.) How big is grace to you?

The Holy Spirit actually dwells in the Christian! This in itself is amazing! The Old Testament shows us God’s presence is seen everywhere… especially at Mt. Sinai (Exo. 24:15-17). Moses covers his face … Tabernacle is built… (Exo. 25:8; 29:42-43). The Glory of God, the “Shekinah” is seen. When Solomon builds the Temple, the Shekinah appears (I Kgs. 8-6-12)… When Ezra and Nehemiah lead in re-building the temple, and it is re-dedicated… no “Shekinah“ (glory) appears. Israel waits for “glory” to return w/ Messiah, but = disappointed in Jesus! (Jno. 1:14) NOT WHAT THEY EXPECTED… The church is promised, established and the HOLY SPIRIT (“Shekinah” “glory”) – is “poured out” – The GIFT of the Spirit is given… Christians are the TEMPLE. I Cor. 3:16; 6:19; Eph. 2:21-22…
Read Holy Spirit and Revolutionary Grace by Jay Guinn pg. 26-27
Question: “How do your friends know that God’s seal is on you?”
Read pg. 34 (ibid) “Many struggle w/ understanding ….” HOW CAN WE KNOW???
Now let’s consider several things which will help us grow.

1. How the Holy Spirit actually changes and empowers us
A. We are weak and imperfect people… we sin! Right?
B. Read 2 Peter 1:4
C. When we receive the Spirit, He gives us His Divine nature.
a.) This means real change from what we were before, to spiritually alive
and He strengthens us to better obey His will.
D. God helps us…. He wants us to make it to the end, thus all tools available
are given.
2. How is our nature changed by the Holy Spirit? (this is hard to explain)
A. READ: Jno. 3:6-8
1.) What does it mean, “Spirit gives birth to spirit”?
a.) Seems to say, when we are saved, that we become spiritualized
beings. (No longer just flesh, blood and soul)
b.) So God gives us ‘a piece’ of Himself, His Spirit implanted within us.
2.) Verse 8 leads me to believe we cannot feel, see or touch it…. can only see
the RESULTS..
B. READ: Romans 8:5-6,9 (note the phrases “after the Spirit” and “in the Spirit”
1.) He is in us, and WE ARE IN HIM, and “after” (according to) the Spirit…
2.) Paul does his best to explain that we are INTIMATELY CONNECTED TO
THE SPIRIT IN A WAY STHAT AFFECTS HOW WE THINK AND LIVE..
C. Can good (non-Christian) people do good things? – Yes.
Can Christian people do bad things? Yes – FREE WILL
1.) But the good done by good people does not please God, they are not good
enough… can’t be good enough. (outside Christ).
2.) The good done by Christians is the product of the Spirit dwelling in
and working in them.
3.) When Christians do good, it is coming from a better source… from faith
in God, and love prompted by the Spirit. We are better because of His Spirit.
4.) Christians are temples of God, I Corinthians 6:19 (a place where God’s Spirit
has a special dwelling place and is worshipped there). The “temple” is
made holy, cleansed by the blood, and changed from mortal to immortal, from
profane to holy. He has made us a suitable place where God can dwell
through His Spirit.
5.) Local congregation is also a temple for the Spirit, I Cor. 3:16-17; Eph. 2:21-22
a.) Flawed, sinful people living in a far from perfect community become a holy.
sacred place for God’s Spirit.
b.) Because we stand forgiven
c.) In preparation for what is coming. (Jesus is coming to take home His Bride)
d.) Look at John 4:24 “God is Spirit….” our worship must be in
spirit…”
i.) This is God’s nature and it is our new nature, from which we worship.
ii.) We are so remade with the same substance as God.
iii.) Eve came from Adams rib… we are remade from God’s by His
Spirit
e.) All this supports what Paul says in Ephesians 1:19b-21, 22-23; 2:6-7
i.) We are already “seated” with Him in heaven, on the throne… we are
His body.
3. The Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts
A. READ: Hebrews 8:10-12
B. The Spirit changes our lives by CHANGING OUR HEARTS, Heb. 8:10;
Phil. 2:12-13
1.) by helping us know an unknowable love, Eph. 3:16-19
2.) by helping us understand a peace beyond understanding, Phil. 4:7
3.) by helping us with knowledge, I Cor. 2:14-16; Eph. 3:16-19; I Jno. 2:20-27
4.) by helping us do through passionate faith what seems impossible, Heb.11
5.) by making us holy, and keeps us… Romans 15:16; I Cor. 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:12
6.) by empowering our life.2 Cor. 4:6-7
7.) by helping us in prayer Romans 8:26-28

Conclussions:
What we have not said…..
1. that the Spirit takes away free will….
2. that the Spirit gives extra revelation equal to scripture,
3. that there are modern day “prophets” that can add to or take from scripture
4. that the Spirit only works through the Bible… the Bible is not a Holy Relic
in which the Spirit is trapped.

1.The Spirit is given to every Christian, whether or not they recognize it, to reinforce and strengthen our hearts and minds to obey and follow His will.
2.The Spirit empowers us to do what God wants done in the world. (We aren’t told to do something and not given the power to do it.) Therefore, the power to love, serve, speak (testify), etc… is ours through the Holy Spirit.
3. The Spirit works where He lives…. in His temple…. the hearts and lives of Christians.

(Thank you Jay Guinn for your helpful study on this subject… www.oneinjesus.info)